CULTURAL PRESERVATION. Kärcher, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, conducts conservation-safe cleaning of the GOMBURZA National Monument as part of its 90th-anniversary goal to complete 90 projects worldwide in 2025.
In celebration of Museum and Galleries Month this October, Kärcher Philippines has partnered with the National Museum of the Philippines for a remarkable conservation project—revitalizing the GOMBURZA National Monument through precision cleaning and modern technology.
Known worldwide for its professional cleaning innovations, German brand Kärcher continues its mission to preserve cultural heritage through its global “90 for 90” initiative—90 cleaning projects in time for its 90th anniversary in 2025. For Kärcher Philippines, the GOMBURZA project also marks a meaningful 10–10–10 milestone: its 10th heritage restoration in its 10th year, completed in the 10th month of the year.
“This initiative reflects Kärcher’s belief that technology should serve memory and meaning,” said Darwin Bañez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines. “Through conservation-safe cleaning, we are helping Filipinos rediscover the beauty of the GOMBURZA monument as its creator intended, while preserving its historical integrity.”
The GOMBURZA monument—created by sculptor Solomon Saprid to honor priests Mariano Gómez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—was treated with meticulous care. Kärcher technicians used a high-pressure cleaner in steam mode (80–90 °C, 0.5–1.0 bar) to gently remove decades of dust, oils, and urban pollutants without harming the bronze’s natural green patina that protects it from corrosion.
Surrounding stone and plaza areas were deep-cleaned using Kärcher’s advanced Dirt Blaster system (3,500 rpm, 100–110 bar), ensuring a spotless yet non-abrasive restoration.
PARTNERSHIP FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION. Kärcher strengthens its commitment to heritage conservation with the turnover of advanced cleaning equipment to the National Museum of the Philippines, supporting long-term preservation of national treasures. In photo (L–R): Valerio Perucci, Regional President for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan, and Bangladesh, Kärcher; Atty. Ma. Rosenne M. Flores-Avila, Deputy Director-General for Administration, National Museum of the Philippines; and Darwin Banez, General Manager, Kärcher Philippines.
Jeremy R. Barns, Director General of the National Museum, lauded the effort: “This collaboration reflects Kärcher’s commitment to preserving our nation’s treasures while supporting public education and conservation. Soon, visitors will once again see the GOMBURZA monument in its full dignity—refreshed, protected, and ready to inspire.”
A legacy of service
From a small two-person team in 2015, Kärcher Philippines has grown into a robust national network with 32 specialists, a central hub in Parañaque, and a Cebu service center. Over the past decade, it has cleaned and conserved iconic landmarks such as Fort Santiago, San Sebastian Basilica, the Bonifacio Shrine, and the Rizal Monument.
Through these initiatives, the company continues to prove that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand—using technology not just to clean surfaces, but to honor stories, memory, and nationhood.
For more information about Kärcher Philippines, visit karcher.com/ph or follow facebook.com/karcher.inc